But some traditions give the candles an extra layer symbolism, each representing a theme: Hope, peace, joy and love. Our world is beset by brutal wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

The church calendar is not amiss on this important occasion. "Each week of Advent focuses on a different theme — hope, peace, joy, and love.

Fr. Josh Brown writes in this week's From The Pulpit about the season of Advent and four different dimensions of faith: Hope, Joy, Peace and Love ...

And may we listen when God speaks to us in the silence of our hearts, and no longer listen to our fears, but listen to God so we may experience the peace of Advent; God’s steadfast love ...

Applying this to our Advent journey we realize that, while we seek after peace, hope, love and joy, we usually only experience them in an “almost” fashion.

This second week of Advent brings to us "the peace of God," allowing us "to look at others through heaven's eyes and allows us to trust in God's promises (Proverbs 3:5) through restful, tranquil ...

DEC. 1 this year began the anticipation of waiting for the arrival of our Savior Jesus Christ. The next week of Advent offers us peace as we await the birth of our Savior. The third week brings us joy ...